Summary
Dell's strategy to position itself in the netwoking storage field is backed by its recent acquisitions of Networked Storage and EqualLogic. The natural question is what next? Dell's dominant PC market ranking will be the base on which this strategy will succeed or collapse. An added value service is the key to gain this newly created market segment, and a single buy is not enough.
Analysis
The networked storage is a promising market to any PC/server hardware manufacturer. The ability to extend the notebook/desktop/server beyond the hardware itself attract the PC players. Dell is not alone in this game and it understands that topping this segment requires resources, fast and many. The strategy to win new market segments or to extend the current ones is by mergers and acquisions ( Cisco and Compaq/HP are just two examples). Dell concentrates on acquisitions, and intends to build for its potential customers, a broad portfolio of networking storage products, from consultancy, through software and hardware until it reaches the finished goods.
Therefore, Dell will not suffice with one item on its shopping list, but will look at "what is missing at home" before going to the mall to load its shopping cart.
Seems that SanRad and DataDirect should be on the list in order to offer its clients a full basket of storage products.
